Another project

Brought this home the other day.
1956 Chevrolet model 6400, V8.

Trying to figure what to do with it.
Has a '70s era 350-4bbl, was able to get it started and then order tune up parts. Does not run too bad seeing as how the carb needs rebuilding.

First thought was to set it on the dodge frame but that's kinda rusty as it was a Michigan truck originally.
Not sure I want to keep the original drivetrain. Has Firestone RH-5 "widow maker" rims, leaking Hydrovac master cylinder, vacuum operated 2 sp rear axle, manual steering, 4 wheel drums etc.

Now thinking of putting the cummins driveline into it and making a 4wd truck using the '56 frame.

We'll see, wife supports this project though.

Let's try pics again.

Truck has potential. Gas tank is huge. 6mpg. ?

Probably, that's the second tank.
Still has original behind the seat. Had to remove the side tank for lift to clear to remove from trailer.

I can remember driving those models with no power steering. I was young then and at the time was not a problem. Nice to have an indoor lift. Yesterday I changed the wifes oil on the Acadi in the driveway. Not bsd, but not fun. The shop teacher at school was going to do it but the virus closed that plan.

Keep us updated on the truck.

Nice looking project. I'm thinking of picking up a basket case motorcycle of some sort and getting it back on the road.

That old front end styling has almost human like characteristics. Maybe I'm watching too many Disney movies?

With all this home time one of my many projects is some work on the '56.

Removing the axle from the '56, shedding a LOT of weight.

Stripped all the brackets off the frame, wire wheeled and painted.


Dodge is almost all stripped.


Going install the complete rear suspension from the Dodge, SRW Dana 80.
Plan on removing the mono beam front for the Dana 60 out of the Ram. Initial measurement show the stock leafs on the '56 will sit on the D60 pads for the compression bump stops. The stock steering is behind the axle so I'll need to fab up a gear box too. Now if only I had a old D70 front laying around, IIRC some were rear steer.

Your getting a lot done on that truck. Frame off restoration is the way to go for sure. I don't have the room to get any work done inside yet. Another week or two and I'll get the Dodge started. I would like my son in law to bring me a small dumpster but business is good and I don't want to take a dumpster and have him lose income.
I did sharpen the chain saw tonight. I was going to take a small dead tree down out front, cut it into wood stove size pieces and stack it in the wood shed. It can only fall one way with all the utility wires, and it was too windy to take the chance. If I had a helper, no problem, but by myself just not a smart thing to do. Rain tomorrow, hopefully Saturday.

Slowly started working on the Dodge today. I pulled the plugs and put a few ounces of Marvel Mystery oil to give the piston rings a little lube. I'll let it sit a day or two before seeing if it turns over.  One of my problems is that it needs two batteries (24 volt system), and I hate to buy the batteries if there are more problems that need to be addressed first. I'm not sure if I can use my 12 volt jump battery to try on the two batteries going with a positive on one and negative on the second battery.

I'd just use two batteries out of your current cars if need be just to try it out.

Cleaned up all the dodge frame brackets, dodge has wider and longer springs than original. Cut spring perches off the axle, old truck frame narrower. Moved axle about 4" forward too. Using 1/2-13 plated grade 8 fasteners for brackets. Sitting on its own again, still lots of detail work to finish.

They look good.

Rolled outside to turn around and clean the shop.


Would like to get the stance to here.
Removed the front axle, amazingly the original u-bolt nuts spun off without heat!
Going to have to look into other suspension options, factory leafs will make the front sit 6-8" higher.

Have the front stripped and researching 4 link front suspension kits now.

It will be like new when you are done. I always liked that style cab and color.

Thanks for the new pic.

Looking good.

First part of front suspension ordered.
Axle bracket for link suspension and coilover mount.
From Ballistic manufacturing.



They come unwelded so after I tack everything together, set pinion angle and center the axle I can then start on the link arms and frame mounts. Ordering piece by piece while not fastest I don't want to end up with a bunch of parts that don't fit.

How is the project coming along?

Not wanting to work on my Dodge M-37, I sold it this week to a friend of 45 years. It will be picked up over the weekend. I've been paid so it is a fine deal. Now I will have a garage to work in again.

At least it's going to a good home. Is he going to restore it?

Project has been going slowly, lots of home projects getting in the way, lol.

Have the radius arms welded up and installed. Upper shock mounts are here. Current hang up is deciding what brand of coil over shock to run. Obviously something like KING or FOX are very good but also expensive for a little driven farm truck.

Not looking like I'll be running the 5.9L cummins at this point. Engine is really long and these old trucks have short engine bays. If I keep the trans in stock place the engine will touch the back of the grill or have to cut the fire wall and move it 12" into the cab. Considering a 6.5TD for this project.

Don't have a pics on my laptop, will get some later.

The M-37 will get back running. Three weeks ago my friend died. He and his brother who I sold the truck to work(ed) and live at a tow and repair shop. The truck is leaving my house and going directly to the shop. My friend wants to keep busy to keep his mind off his brother. He has the means and talent to get it running and looking good. His boss had one for 10 years. Looking at the title, I had this one for 18 years.

Diesel Dan wrote:

At least it's going to a good home. Is he going to restore it?

Project has been going slowly, lots of home projects getting in the way, lol.

Have the radius arms welded up and installed. Upper shock mounts are here. Current hang up is deciding what brand of coil over shock to run. Obviously something like KING or FOX are very good but also expensive for a little driven farm truck.

Not looking like I'll be running the 5.9L cummins at this point. Engine is really long and these old trucks have short engine bays. If I keep the trans in stock place the engine will touch the back of the grill or have to cut the fire wall and move it 12" into the cab. Considering a 6.5TD for this project.

Don't have a pics on my laptop, will get some later.

I have a disassembled 6.5 w/mechanical injection pump that's been sitting in my garage for years. No turbo or exhaust manifolds, but everything else. Might be just what you need or at least want.

The Dodge M-37 left on a rollback today. Wasn't really sorry to see her go. It sat for too long. I will see it again in a few days when I head up north. It went to a good home to a good friend.

toyboxrv wrote:

I have a disassembled 6.5 w/mechanical injection pump that's been sitting in my garage for years. No turbo or exhaust manifolds, but everything else. Might be just what you need or at least want.

Would be a start, where are you located?

TheQuig wrote:

The Dodge M-37 left on a rollback today. Wasn't really sorry to see her go. It sat for too long. I will see it again in a few days when I head up north. It went to a good home to a good friend.

Your avatar won't look the same with just an empty hole in the garage.

I was wondering if I should change the avatar.

Diesel Dan wrote:

toyboxrv wrote:

I have a disassembled 6.5 w/mechanical injection pump that's been sitting in my garage for years. No turbo or exhaust manifolds, but everything else. Might be just what you need or at least want.

Would be a start, where are you located?

TheQuig wrote:

The Dodge M-37 left on a rollback today. Wasn't really sorry to see her go. It sat for too long. I will see it again in a few days when I head up north. It went to a good home to a good friend.

Your avatar won't look the same with just an empty hole in the garage.

In NM right off I40. Can send you pictures of what I have if you'd like.

I'm not looking right now, thanks. I have to take care of some health issued before I take on another project.

Installed some solid struts while waiting to order some coil overs. Going with some 10" FOA units and 300 lb springs, should have a July 4th sale coming up.

Couple pics of the radius arm setup and rear frame mounts being fabbed.

Do you use a laser to get the measurements right? I don't know how it is done, just curious.

Tape measures, levels, angle finders, plumb bobs, basically what ever it takes.
We are not talking high speed super car territory here, 150" +/- wheel base, 37" tires etc. You can set things up with a tape measure within 1/8" and rubber bushings will deflect more than that under load.

This is how the truck is currently sitting.
Things got side tracked this summer with multiple land purchase options.
Currently sitting on its own, solid struts, no coil overs yet. All steering has to be done yet.
We shall see how this winter progresses.